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Lions head coach Warren Gatland confirmed that Moriarty, captain Sam Warburton and Dan Biggar were ruled out but none of them are suffering from serious problems.

He said: "We are pretty good fitness wise. Nothing serious last night.

“Dan Biggar has a six day turnaround, that’s the protocol, so he’s not available, Ross Moriarty has had a back spasm, but he’s recovering well.

“Sam Warburton had a bit of slight ankle strain after the first game, he just needs a few more days.”

Gatland has stuck with his plan to give every player in the squad a start in the first three games.

Moriarty started against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, while Clermont-bound Laidlaw was involved in the first two games, coming on as a late replacement in the defeat to the Blues, but Conor Murray will make his first appearance of the tour at scrum-half against the Crusaders with Rhys Webb on the bench.

British and Irish Lions' Ross Moriarty looks to fend off New Zealand's Provinial Barbarians Keepa Mewet

Alun Wyn Jones captains the Lions.

Gatland said: "The aim was always to start everyone in the first three matches and this selection ensures that we achieve this.

"This is an experienced team with nine of the starting 15 players having featured in 2013.

"Our squad is working hard and we are seeing improvement in their performances both at training and in the games.

"Last night's results against the Blues was disappointing and we know we can't afford to give away so many penalties.

"We are looking forward to the clash against the Crusaders and we expect a tough game against the most successful team in Super Rugby history.” Crusaders have won all 14 Super Rugby games this season and have eight All Blacks in their side.